In conversation with Maryam, founder of a Foodie Girl Blog

Meet Maryam: passionate foodie, travel and lifestyle blogger and founder of @afoodiegirl. As well as being an avid food lover, Maryam also has collaborated with brands including Kallo, Carluccio’s, Borough Market and KERB.

Not only just a self-proclaimed foodie, Maryam is also one of the chefs included in the recently launched charity e-cookbook, Mamma Makes. Celebrating recipes inspired by mums and grandmothers of migrant Britain. I learn all about Maryam’s Iranian heritage and the important cultural link there between food and family, as well as how travel has influenced how Maryam experiences different food and gives each dish its own story.

E: What first got you interested in food and cooking?

M: I’ve always loved food but I had never been into cooking until I was 25 when I started to cook and realised what an amazing experience I’d been missing. For me, making a new dish from raw ingredients is like making art.

E: Where are you from and how has that influenced your cooking?

M: I’m from a city called Shiraz in Iran. Shiraz is famous for its weather and rich culture. The perfect weather is the reason why back in the day this city used to be famous for its wine. Shiraz also has lots of gardens and green spaces and that's why all the family and friends gatherings usually happen outdoors, therefore, as you can imagine, outdoor cooking and BBQ is a must over the weekends. I remember when I was a child, we always got together in my grandparent’s garden over the weekend with all my cousins and we’d cook our favourite family meal together. This is how I first got introduced to home cooking.

E: Do you have a favourite recipe to make? 

M: My favourite recipe is a Persian dish called “Tahchin" which is basically a rice saffron cake layered with chicken (or alternatively you can fill it with meat or vegetables).

E: What flavour do you find that you cook with the most? 

M: I love the sour flavour. Pomegranate and wild berries are my favourite ingredients to cook with.

E: Do you think food can tell a story?

M: Absolutely. There are lots of stories around food. Each dish can tell you the history and the culture of a region. Every time I travel to a new country, their food is my first path to learn about their culture.

E: Are you more of a sweet or savory person? (as a cook and as someone who eats!)

M: I always always always check the dessert menu before ordering my main, to make sure I leave enough room! I think that will answer your question!

E: Why did you decide to be included in the Mamma Makes e-cookbook?

M: When I heard about their mission and the reason behind the campaign, it really resonated with my values to help and support my community during this tough time. Moreover, I really loved the idea of sharing recipes from various chefs and food influencers from across the UK. I know there are lots of delicious recipes hidden in our brains that we learned from our past generations that now can be revealed in this cookbook.

E: Do you share recipes with friends and family? 

M: A lot. I have a few friends who we always share recipes between us. My mom is also my first point of contact when I have a question or when I find an exciting recipe.

E: What advice would you give younger generations who are looking to become a cook or chef?

M: I would say if you really want to learn cooking and explore new dishes, then travel. Traveling is the best way to learn about food and the stories behind each dish. Also, you will have this chance to learn cooking from locals so you know how to make it perfectly.

Check out Maryam’s awesome blog A Foodie Girl for great recipes (I’ll be making the Paella myself!), but also for travel and lifestyle content, or find her on Twitter and Instagram.